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FPC final preview: Counties Manukau v Auckland

allblacks.com 30 Sep 2016 Getty Images

Unbeaten Counties Manukau Heat have one more mountain to climb as they attempt to lift the Farah Palmer Cup for the first time but face an immense challenge from reigning champions Auckland at ECOlight Stadium.

FORMNot a lot separated these teams in the regular season with Counties Manukau prevailing 7-3 in a tense encounter in round seven. In the semi-finals last week, the Heat flexed their attacking muscle by running in 10 tries to beat Wellington 60-7. Auckland were equally dominant when overcoming a very strong Canterbury side 33-3 at Colin Maiden Park

PLAYERS TO WATCHThe return of wing Portia Woodman to the Counties Manukau Heat following the 2016 Olympic Games has boosted their attacking potency. She was a standout in the semifinal against Wellington with four tries and will be a major weapon for the Heat in the final. Auckland has class across the park and in fullback Tyla Nathan-Wong boast a dangerous counter attack runner and deft tactician.

DEFENCEWhile the Heat have no shortage of game breakers, it is their defence that has been most impressive in 2016. From seven games the Heat have only conceded 40 points. Auckland have also been impressive on defence with just 87 points conceded. In their round seven encounter, Auckland failed to cross the Counties Manukau line and will need to conjure a way to break through the well organised Counties Manukau defence if they are to secure a ninth straight title.

WATCHEntry to ECOlight Stadium is free for the match or you can watch LIVE on Sky Sport channel 3 from 2.30pm.